Tie ceremony a legacy
Neco Bokwe
On 5 March, Nqweba Secondary School held its Tie Ceremony for the graduating class of 2024 at Masizakhe Community
Hall. The event was marked by speeches from teachers, parents and community members, urging the students to embrace their future with determination and responsibility.
The principal, Zanovuyo Mdingi, emphasised the significance of the occasion, stating that the tying of the matric 2024 ties symbolised a new beginning for the students. He stressed the importance of faith and community support in guiding the students towards success, referencing Psalm 127 and thanking God for the achievements of the previous year's class. With a target of achieving a pass rate of 95% (last year the pass rate was 88,6%), Mdingi encouraged the students to believe in themselves and their abilities.
He reminded them of the responsibility that comes with wearing the matric tie, emphasising the need for discipline and respect.
Xoliswa Tono-Nazo, principal of Isibane Primary School, highlighted the journey of the graduating class, commending their resilience during challenging times. She emphasised the importance of earning respect through actions and encouraged the students to make their families, community and school proud.
Teachers urged the students to remain focused, work hard, and never give up on their dreams. They emphasised the transformative power of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and encouraged the students to strive for success.
Representing the class of 2024, Willichia Pietersen expressed gratitude to the teachers and school administration for their support and guidance. She emphasised the importance of unity among students and encouraged her peers to carry forward the values instilled in them at Nqweba Secondary School.
As the students embark on their final year of high school, the Tie Ceremony serves as a reminder of the bonds they share and the journey they are undertaking together.
The school currently has 92 matric learners.
The Camdeboo Community Development Forum recently launched a project at Asherville, Spandau and Nqweba senior secondary schools to assist this year’s Grade 12s in improving their matric results.
After the need for this initiative was identified by the Forum, the proposed project was funded by the Ruperts' Trim Tab Foundation and launched with the assistance of Braam Hanekom, director of the Centre for Public Witness in Cape Town.
Johnny Swartz, chairperson of the Forum, explains that the project will be implemented in four phases.
The first phase was conducted on 28 and 29 February and the remaining phases are scheduled for May, July and October.
During the first phase principals, teachers and learners participated in motivational sessions facilitated by Rian Truter, former principal of DF Malan High
School in Belville in the Western Cape. The participants were very impressed by these sessions and described it as informative and life enriching. The tasty treats provided after each session was a bonus.
After the implementation of the first phase, caps displaying the slogan "Matric 24 #Challenge Accepted" were handed out to participating matriculants and facilitators were appointed to keep them motivated.
These facilitators are expected to assist small groups of learners assigned to them with study venues, study guidance, bursary applications and job hunting.
The facilitators will also provide guidance to the learners, keep track of their performance, and support them with any shortfall that may occur during the academic year. The Forum is grateful for the assistance of those who made this contribution to the needs of matriculants in Graaff-Reinet possible.